If you’re looking for a Mercedes M278 engine for sale, you probably already know what’s wrong with the car. Maybe a turbo gave up and took the engine with it, maybe the timing chain jumped, or maybe a shop told you the bores are scored and a rebuild will cost more than the car is worth on paper. We hear some version of that story every week.
The good news is that an S550, SL550 or GL550 with a straight body and a clean interior is almost always worth putting another engine in. These are expensive cars to replace and cheap cars to buy used, which is exactly why a good engine swap makes sense.
We’re NJ Global Auto Parts. We sell used and rebuilt engines and ship them to customers all over the world. This page is basically what we’d tell you on the phone if you called about a Mercedes M278 engine for sale: what it is, the full specs, which cars it fits, what we check before it leaves, what tends to go wrong, what it costs and how shipping works.
What You Get With a Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale
The M278 is the 4.7 litre twin-turbo V8 that Mercedes brought in around 2010 to replace the naturally aspirated 5.5 litre M273. On paper it’s smaller, but it makes more power, a lot more torque and uses noticeably less fuel. It was built alongside the AMG M157 and shares a lot of its basic design with it.
It uses direct injection with piezo injectors, two turbochargers sitting in the V of the engine, four cams driven by chain, and variable timing on all of them. So it’s a clever engine, and a complicated one. When you buy one you want to know the history and the exact version, because small differences matter when it’s time to plug it in.
If you want some background reading, the Mercedes-Benz M278 engine page lists the versions and outputs. For actually buying one, what matters most is matching the engine to your car’s VIN and model year.
Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale: Full Specifications
These are the numbers buyers ask us about most. Power and torque changed a bit over the years and between markets, so treat the outputs as a range.
| Engine code | M278 (M278 DE 46 LA) |
| Layout | 90 degree V8, petrol |
| Displacement | 4,663 cc (4.7 L) |
| Bore x stroke | 92.9 mm x 86.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC per bank, 32 valves, variable timing on all four camshafts |
| Cam drive | Timing chain |
| Induction | Twin turbochargers with intercooling |
| Fuel system | Spray-guided direct injection, piezo injectors |
| Block and heads | Aluminium block and cylinder heads |
| Power | About 300 kW (408 PS) to 335 kW (455 PS), depending on year and model |
| Torque | About 600 to 700 Nm, most versions 700 Nm |
| Gearbox pairing | 7G-Tronic (722.9), later 9G-Tronic (725.0) in some models |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| Production | Roughly 2010 to 2019 |
That 700 Nm figure is a big part of why people go looking for a Mercedes M278 engine for sale instead of switching cars. It’s what makes these cars feel so effortless. It arrives low in the rev range, which is why a big S-Class or GL with this engine pulls like a much smaller car.
One more thing on specs. If you are comparing a Mercedes M278 engine for sale from two different sellers, ask for the engine number on both. Two engines can look the same in photos and still come from different model years with different software and ancillaries. The number settles it.
Which Cars Take the M278
This is the list we work from. It’s a guide, not a promise, because some markets got different engines in the same body. Always send us the VIN before you buy a Mercedes M278 engine for sale from anyone, including us.
- S-Class W221 S500 / S550 (later cars, around 2011 to 2013)
- S-Class W222 S500 / S550 sedan, plus the C217 coupe and A217 cabriolet
- CL-Class C216 CL500 / CL550 (from about 2011)
- SL-Class R231 SL500 / SL550
- CLS-Class W218 CLS500 / CLS550
- E-Class W212 E500 / E550 in some markets
- M-Class W166 ML500 / ML550 and the GLE500 / GLE550 that followed it
- GL-Class X166 GL500 / GL550 and GLS500 / GLS550
Rear-drive and 4MATIC cars use different sumps, mounts and some ancillaries. A sedan engine isn’t always a straight bolt-in for an SUV even though the core is the same. That’s one of the first things we sort out when we match a Mercedes M278 engine for sale to your car.
Why People Replace the Whole Engine Instead of Fixing It
We get asked this a lot. Why not just rebuild the one you’ve got? Sometimes that’s the right answer. But with the M278, a few things push people toward a replacement:
- Access. The turbos sit inside the V and a lot of jobs need the engine out anyway. Once it’s out, a known-good engine often makes more sense than paying for parts and labour on a damaged one.
- Parts cost. Two turbos, eight piezo injectors, chains, guides, adjusters and gaskets add up fast. A full rebuild at a Mercedes specialist can run past what a good used unit costs.
- Time off the road. A replacement engine can be in and running in days. A rebuild can take weeks if parts are on back order.
- Bore damage. If the cylinder walls are scored, you’re into machining or a new short block, and the bill climbs quickly.
So for a lot of owners, buying a Mercedes M278 engine for sale with a known history is simply the cheaper and faster fix.
Used, Rebuilt or Long Block: Which One Do You Need?
There isn’t one right answer. Every Mercedes M278 engine for sale falls into one of these groups, and the best one depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the car.
Used engine
A used engine comes out of a donor car, usually one that was written off for body damage. It’s the cheapest way in. The mileage and condition vary, so the checks we do matter a lot here. For a car you want back on the road without spending a fortune, a good used Mercedes M278 engine for sale is usually the smart choice.
Rebuilt engine
A rebuilt engine has been stripped, measured and put back together with new wear parts. Bearings, rings, seals, gaskets and usually the chains and guides get replaced. It costs more, but you’re starting from a known point. If you plan to keep the car for years, or you’re doing it for a customer who wants peace of mind, it’s worth looking at.
Long block or complete engine
A long block is the cheapest way to get a Mercedes M278 engine for sale if you can reuse your own turbos and intake. It’s the block, heads, crank, pistons and cams. A complete engine usually adds the turbos, intake, injectors and some ancillaries. We’ll tell you exactly what’s included in writing, so you’re not guessing when the crate arrives.
7 Checks We Make on Every Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale
This is the part people care about most, so here it is in plain terms. Before we offer an engine, we go through these:
- VIN and engine number match. We confirm the engine number, the donor car and the model year so we know exactly which version it is.
- Compression or leak-down test. All eight cylinders. Big differences between cylinders are a red flag, and that engine doesn’t get sold as a runner.
- Borescope look inside the cylinders. We look for scoring, carbon and any sign of a failed injector washing the bore.
- Timing chain check. We look at the tensioner, guides and cam timing where we can. Chain stretch shows up as timing correlation faults, so we note what we find.
- Turbo shaft play and oil. We check both turbos for play, oil in the intake and signs of wastegate rattle.
- Oil and coolant condition. Milky oil, oil in the coolant or metal on the drain plug is an instant fail.
- External condition. Cracked plastics, broken sensors, damaged connectors and oil leaks get photographed and listed.
You get photos of the actual engine, not a stock picture, and a written summary of what we found. If something isn’t perfect, we’d rather tell you now than have you find it on the engine stand.
Common M278 Problems You Should Know About
No engine is perfect, and the M278 has its patterns. If you’re checking a Mercedes M278 engine for sale from any supplier, these are the things to ask about. Knowing them helps you judge any engine, ours or anyone else’s.
Timing chain stretch
Not as bad as some earlier Mercedes V8s, but it happens, especially on engines that went long between oil changes. You’ll see cam and crank correlation codes and sometimes hear a rattle on a cold start. On an engine with unknown history, replacing chains and guides while it’s out is money well spent.
Turbo wastegate rattle and oil leaks
The wastegates can wear and rattle, and the oil feed and return lines to the turbos can seep. Because the turbos are buried in the V, leaks often aren’t found until they’re bad.
Piezo injector faults
A sticking or leaking injector can cause misfires and, at worst, wash oil off a cylinder wall. That’s why we look closely at the bores.
Cam adjuster magnets leaking oil
Oil can wick through the camshaft adjuster solenoids into the wiring. If you swap an engine, check the harness and connectors for oil too, or you’ll chase electrical faults later.
Carbon build-up
Direct injection means fuel doesn’t wash the intake valves, so carbon builds up over time. It’s not a disaster, but it’s worth knowing about on high-mileage engines.
None of this should scare you off. It just means you should buy a Mercedes M278 engine for sale from someone who actually checks for these things and tells you what they found.
Signs Your Current Engine Is Past Saving
Before you start shopping for a Mercedes M278 engine for sale, it helps to be honest about whether the old one is really done. Some faults sound terrible and turn out to be a sensor or a coil pack. Others sound minor and turn out to be the end.
These are the signs that usually mean the engine is finished, or close to it:
- Low compression on one or more cylinders that doesn’t come back after a wet test.
- Scoring you can see on the cylinder walls with a borescope.
- Metal in the oil or on the drain plug magnet.
- Coolant in the oil, or oil in the coolant, that isn’t coming from a cooler or a pipe.
- A knock from the bottom end that gets louder with load.
- A chain that has jumped teeth and let the valves touch the pistons.
If your mechanic finds one of these, get a second opinion if you like, but don’t spend a lot on diagnosis. Put that money toward a good replacement instead.
Looking After a Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale Once It’s Fitted
We’d like your engine to last, not just get the car out of the workshop. The M278 is a strong engine when it’s cared for, and most of the failures we see come down to oil. So here’s the short list we give people.
- Change the oil more often than the dash tells you. The service indicator allows long intervals. On a twin-turbo direct injection engine, we’d rather see oil changed around every 8,000 to 10,000 km, and sooner if the car does short trips or sits in traffic.
- Use the correct approved oil. Check the Mercedes approval number for your model, not just the viscosity.
- Let it warm up before you push it. Give the turbos and the oil a few minutes before hard acceleration.
- Let it idle for a moment after a hard drive. Turbos get hot. A short idle before shutting off helps the bearings.
- Don’t ignore a check engine light. A misfire left alone can damage a catalytic converter or worse.
Simple stuff, but on any Mercedes M278 engine for sale it’s the difference between an engine that does another 150,000 km and one that’s back on the stand in two years. Treat your Mercedes M278 engine for sale like the expensive part it is and it’ll pay you back.
What Comes in the Crate
People ask this before they pay, and they should. Every Mercedes M278 engine for sale we quote comes with a written list. It usually looks something like this, but the quote is what counts:
- Block, heads, crank, pistons and camshafts (the long block)
- Timing chains, guides and cam adjusters in place
- Turbos and intake if quoted as a complete engine
- Injectors, fuel rails and high-pressure pumps if quoted as complete
- Sensors that were on the engine when it was removed
Things like the wiring harness, ECU, radiator and gearbox are usually not included unless we agree otherwise. If you need them, ask. We can often supply them from the same donor, so the parts that come with your Mercedes M278 engine for sale all match.
How Much Does a Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale Cost?
Prices move with supply, mileage and what’s included, so we don’t publish one fixed number. What we can tell you is what drives the price:
- Mileage and condition. Lower miles and clean test results cost more.
- Used or rebuilt. Rebuilt engines cost more but come with new wear parts.
- What’s attached. Turbos, injectors, intake, alternator and compressor all change the price.
- Model year. Later, higher-output engines usually cost more.
- Freight. Shipping depends on where you are, sea or air, and whether you need door delivery.
Send us your VIN and we’ll give you a real quote with freight to your door or nearest port. You can also see the current listing on our Mercedes M278 engine for sale product page.
If you’re comparing costs, our older notes on used M278 engine prices and M278 engine replacement go into more detail.
Shipping a Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale Worldwide
We ship every Mercedes M278 engine for sale worldwide. Most engines go by sea freight because it’s far cheaper for something this heavy, but air freight is there if the car is sitting and time matters more than money.
Every engine is drained, sealed, strapped to a pallet or put in a crate, and wrapped so dirt and water can’t get in. We photograph it packed before it leaves. You’ll get the paperwork you need for customs, and we can tell you what to expect on your side, though duties and taxes depend on your country’s rules. The World Customs Organization has general information on how engine imports are classified if you want to read up before ordering.
Full details are on our shipping policy page, and our refund and returns policy explains what happens if something isn’t right.
Before You Fit It: Things Your Mechanic Should Do
A good engine can still be let down by a rushed install. These are the things we tell every buyer to pass on to their workshop:
- Replace the oil and filter, even if we shipped it with fresh oil. Prime the system before the first start.
- Fit new spark plugs and check the coils.
- Replace the thermostat and check the water pump.
- Flush the intercooler circuit and the charge air pipes, especially if the old engine lost a turbo. Debris left in the system can kill a new turbo in minutes.
- Check the wiring harness for oil from the cam adjusters.
- Check the flexplate, mounts and sensors so nothing old and tired goes back in.
- Clear codes, check live data and do a proper test drive before handing the car back.
Taking an extra hour on these steps is cheap insurance on a Mercedes M278 engine for sale that you’ve paid good money for.
M278 vs M273 vs M157: Can You Swap Between Them?
We get this question from people who find a cheaper engine and wonder if it’ll fit.
The M273 is the older 5.5 litre naturally aspirated V8. Different engine, different electronics, different cooling. It’s not a simple swap into an M278 car. If you’ve got an M273 car, look at our Mercedes M273 engine instead.
The M157 is the AMG 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8. It’s a close relative, but it’s built for AMG cars with their own software and hardware. Our M157 buying guide covers it.
The M176, M177 and M178 are the later 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8s that replaced the M278. Different again. We have those too under M176, M177 and M178 engines.
Short version: buy the engine your car was built with. If it left the factory with an M278, a Mercedes M278 engine for sale is what you want. It saves time, money and a lot of headaches.
How to Order a Mercedes M278 Engine for Sale From Us
It’s simple, and we don’t take money until we’re sure we have the right engine for you.
- Send your VIN. Use our contact page or the chat on the site. Tell us the model, year and where you are.
- We match the engine. We check what we have and confirm it’s the correct version for your car.
- You get photos and a quote. Real pictures of the engine, test results and freight cost to you.
- You confirm and pay. Our billing terms explain the payment options.
- We pack and ship. You get tracking and the shipping documents.
Most people are surprised how quick it is once the VIN is confirmed. Finding the right Mercedes M278 engine for sale is the slow part, and that’s the part we do for you.
If you run a workshop and you are quoting a customer, tell us. We can hold a Mercedes M278 engine for sale for a short time while your customer decides, and send extra photos of anything you need to see. When you order a Mercedes M278 engine for sale for a customer car, we also note the donor details so your paperwork is simple.
Other Mercedes Engines We Sell
If the M278 isn’t the one you need, we probably have what you’re after. Take a look at the Mercedes M276 V6, the Mercedes M272, the M157 AMG V8 or the M277 V12 guide. Everything is listed under Mercedes engines, and our full range is in used engines.
Still weighing up used against rebuilt? Our piece on rebuilt vs used engines is worth five minutes. For official model information, the Mercedes-Benz website is the place to go.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We’re not the biggest engine supplier out there and we don’t pretend to be. What we do is match every Mercedes M278 engine for sale to the customer’s VIN, send real photos and honest notes, and quote freight before anyone pays. If we don’t have the right engine, we say so.
We’ve shipped engines, including plenty of M278s, to workshops, dealers and private owners on pretty much every continent. A lot of our business comes from mechanics who bought one engine from us, had it go in without drama, and came back for the next job. You can read more about us or browse the shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Mercedes M278 engine for sale delivered?
It depends on where you are and whether it goes by sea or air. We give you a time estimate with the quote.
How much power does the M278 make?
Most versions make between about 300 kW (408 PS) and 335 kW (455 PS), with around 700 Nm of torque.
Will an S550 engine fit my GL550?
The core engine is the same family, but the sump, mounts, wiring and some ancillaries differ between rear-drive and 4MATIC models. We match by VIN so you get the right setup.
Is your Mercedes M278 engine for sale used or rebuilt?
We offer both. Every quote and listing says clearly which one it is and what’s included.
Do I need to change the timing chain on a used engine?
If the history is unknown or we see any wear, yes. It’s much easier and cheaper to do with the engine out of the car.
Do the turbos come with the engine?
It depends on the unit. Some come complete with turbos, some as a long block. The quote will spell it out.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes. We ship worldwide by sea or air, and we quote freight before you pay.
What if it arrives damaged?
Contact us right away with photos of the crate and the engine. We’ll sort it out using our packing photos and your quote.
A Mercedes M278 engine for sale should come with real photos, honest test results and a seller who knows where these engines tend to fail. That’s what we try to give every buyer. Send your VIN through the contact page, tell us about the car, and we’ll tell you what we have and what it’ll cost to get it to you.